Blimp Wind Protector

Capturing clean and clear audio can sometimes be a challenge. Head out of a studio and unwanted noises can get your blood boiling. While we can always try to remove background noise in post-production, the more you mess with your audio after it’s already been captured, the more issues you can run into.

Utilizing a shotgun microphone, like the VXR100L from Movo, is an excellent start to capturing more of the audio you want and less of the unwanted background noise. Shotgun microphones are typically supercardioid microphones, which means they are directional and pick up sound more in front of the mic rather than that to the sides or behind. Since these are directional, often they will be attached to a boom pole or rig that is moving with the subject or audio being captured. Whenever you add movement to a microphone, you increase the opportunity for handling noise to get picked up by the microphone. Even when using a boom, sound from your hands touching the grip can travel all the way up the pole and into the microphone. Removing these taps and dings, along with any other handling noise, can be incredibly difficult, time-consuming, and stressful in post-production.

The BWS1000 is a professional windshield and suspension system that can dramatically reduce the amount of unwanted noise that you pick up. This system is designed to be used with XLR shotgun microphones up to 320 mm in length. It can be used handheld with the adjustable and rubberized hand grip or mounted to boom poles, tripods, and other rigs with the 3/8 inch or 1/4 inch threads. A 12-point shock mount supports the shotgun microphone made up of three rings, each with four suspension bands and an inner clip for attaching the microphone. Extra suspension bands are also included. This shock mount is excellent at reducing vibrations and handling noise.

An outer blimp capsule slides along the shock mount rail to completely cover the microphone, allowing sound to pass through while limiting the amount of wind noise that gets picked up by the mic. An internal female XLR cable plugs into the microphone and a male XLR plug at the handgrip is where you attach your own XLR cable. The blimp also has a front and rear dome that are easily removed, providing access to the inside of the blimp. For those extra windy days, a furry or “deadcat” windscreen is also included and securely fits over the entire blimp capsule, while still providing access to the hand grip/mount as well as the XLR cable.

When it comes to recording audio with my shotgun XLR mic, the BWS1000 is a piece of gear that I want to take with me. I can grab the entire system with the included carrying case, along with my shotgun microphone and a boom pole with confidence that I’ll be ready to capture some clean and clear audio.